360th FS 356th FG 25th Dec 1944

[crumps]

Hello
My name is Shaun Crump for many years i helped Bill Crump (we were not related) compile this memoirs and also the history of his squadron the 360th FS (356th FG) from August 44 - EOW. Bill sadly passed away earlier this year but i intend to carry on our work and i am looking for help with regard to information on the loss of one of his two best friends within the Squadron, Lt Richard Andrino. Richard's P-51 was one of two the Squadron lost in the Bonn area on the 25th of December 44.

After the 360th engaged 30 + FW-190's south of Bonn, the aircraft piloted by Lt Andrino crashed at 11:25 3Km south of Marialinden when his wing struck a tree while chasing an FW-190. The second piloted by Lt Heubner crashed at Bad Godesberg at approximately the same time.

I understand fom Les Butlers claims website that four claims were made by JG3 for P-51 aircraft, would any one know if these claims were these in the Bonn area or were there other units that may have been involved in the loss of these two P-51's

Does any one know if there a JG3 unit historian that may be able to assist me check if these incidents are related?

Also would a Luftwaffe pilot be able to claim a P-51 if it crashed whilst chasing him?

I would appreciate any help
many thanks
Shaun.

[rpeck350]

Sorry I can't answer your questions but if you do put this history into book form I would be interested in a copy.
Sorry for the interruption.
I think some American pilots might have been credit with kills were they made them crash without shooting.
Maybe some one else can correct me.
Rick

[Heuser]

Shaun,
there were more units engaged in aerial combat in the vicinity of Bonn on this day, f.e. the Fw 190s of II./JG 1, III./JG 11 and IV./JG 54, further a couple of units flying Bf 109. On the other side, 4th and 55th FG lost Mustangs in the same area.

I can't provide more infos, maybe sombody else?

Regards

Heuser